Peter Greenberg: Buenos Aires Travel Tips

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-08-10

Q: Peter,
I'm thinking of taking a 10-day vacation in Buenos Aires in the fall. Is there enough to do there for 10 days? I think the exchange rate will be favorable and make the stay relatively cheap. I am also thinking of getting an apartment there. Any recommendations on that? Do you have any info on B.A. for sightseeing, or can you recommend a good guidebook?
–Jeff
Denver, Colo.
 
A: Buenos Aires is a great choice, especially considering the favorable exchange rate. In fact, it is one of the great travel bargains of the world. The dollar has been worth around four Argentine pesos for quite some time, and there's no reason to think that won't be the case in the fall.
 
The Plaza de Mayo, the city's large main square, is among the highlights of Buenos Aires. It features the Casa Rosada, the pink Presidential Palace made famous by President Juan Perón and former First Lady Eva "Evita" Perón, and several large gardens, fountains, and statues. Don't miss the Cabildo, the building that was used as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period, and the Cementerio de Recoleta, the final resting place of Eva Perón.

Another must-do activity is to visit a "milonga", a traditional Argentine dance hall, where you can see—or even learn—the tango from the pros. Argentines are night owls, so expect to eat late and to dance even later.
 
If you prefer visiting museums, Buenos Aires offers many. The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires has a large collection of Latin American art (including works by Frida Kahlo), while the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes has a great variety of European and Argentine paintings and sculptures.
 
There are also some less explored, but fascinating, attractions in the city, such as the Jardin Japones, a Japanese garden that was given to the city as a gift from the Emperor of Japan. Also check out the Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur, an 890-acre ecological park that is great for walking or riding a bike.
 
Bringing a guidebook is a good idea. Lonely Planet and the Rough Guides are geared more toward backpackers, so you may have better luck with Frommer's or Fodor's.  Look for a book that covers all of Argentina, not just Buenos Aires, in case you want to take side trips to other parts of the country during your 10 days. I'm partial to Mendoza, in western Argentina, where there are more than 880 wineries. (The Malbec wines are very, very good.)
 
If you want to rent an apartment for a short period, start your search online at sites such as www.4rentargentina.com, www.alojargentina.com, or even Craig's List. Two other options are ByTArgentina.com and BuenosAiresHabitat.com. Daily rentals are possible, but bear in mind that weekly or monthly rentals are cheaper.